Mark

[IKTCA]

All of them deserted him and fled. (Mark 14:50)


Jesus was arrested. The disciples, who said they would die with Jesus, deserted him and fled. He saw with his own eyes and perceived in his own spirit that his ministry was ruined by now. How could he continue to walk up to the cross? What enabled him to do so? How could he endure such a despair? I wondered.

Then I remembered his prayers. He prayed to the Father to restore their faith after Satan sifted them like wheat. And I found the answer: he knew the Father heard his prayer. That’s how he could continue his walk to the cross: the Father heard his prayer.

Doing God’s work brings many disheartening moments. If not so, God would not call servants. God calls servants to inscribe their assignments in their souls so that they would not completely lose their heart and give up. The words inscribed in their souls overcome disappointments and give courage.

Has any servant experienced a greater despair than Jesus? If not, all servants must look up to the Lord and learn from him: my Father heard my prayer. And take up his own cross and walk. Amen.

Lord,

Let my soul not forget that all your disciples deserted you and fled. Let my soul not forget that even Peter, who loved you more than the others, denied you. Let my soul not forget that you still walked up to the cross, trusting your Father alone. Help me remind my soul with the confession: my Father heard my prayer. Amen.

 

[IKTCA]

Come down from the cross now so that we can see and believe. (Mark 15:32)

Why didn’t he come down from the cross and help their unbelief? Jesus would do all to save a few. If coming down from the cross could have saved the scoffers, he would have.

One does not come to believing in Jesus by seeing his power. Judas Iscariot saw his power firsthand but he did not believe in Jesus. He not only saw the power, he himself used the power when Jesus dispatched the disciples to heal and proclaim the good news. What then is the way to believing in him, I wonder.

Only through repentance, I think. I kneel and inquire about this matter, but I cannot think of any other way. Blessed are those who believe in him without seeing him. How is this possible? Through repentance.

Blessed are those who call Jesus Savior for their repentance is considered worthy.

My Lord Jesus, your first command was “Repent.” Let that command not fade away before me. Though mountains may become flat and all nations may betray you, let your command stand as tall as the tallest mountain ever before me, for only through repentance I reach your love and salvation.

My Savior and Salvation, let my adoration ever be flowing from my heart, for you delivered me from death. Amen.

 

[IKTCA]

Joseph ….. wrapped his body in the linen cloth, and laid it in a tomb….. [Mark 15:46]

The apostles served the Lord faithfully. But many others served the Lord in insignificant ways. The person who loaned his colt to Jesus. The owner of the upper room for his Passover meal. The woman who anointed his body in preparation of burial. The man who carried his cross to Golgotha. And this man who placed his body in a tomb. I am certain none of them will lose their reward for their service.

I will have my share to serve the Lord in the same manner. As far as I keep my heart open to him, he will graciously allow me to serve him even in this sinful and adulterous generation.

Lord,

Do not call me to a great service for I am little of heart. Only let me not miss the opportunities to serve you through witnessing, giving to the poor, sharing sorrows, visiting the sick, and, most of all, seeking you through scripture reading and praying. Because you loved me first, I love you and my brothers. Amen.

 

[angelwind]

All of them deserted him and fled. (Mark 14:50)


Jesus was arrested. The disciples, who said they would die with Jesus, deserted him and fled. He saw with his own eyes and perceived in his own spirit that his ministry was ruined by now. How could he continue to walk up to the cross? What enabled him to do so? How could he endure such a despair? I wondered.

Then I remembered his prayers. He prayed to the Father to restore their faith after Satan sifted them like wheat. And I found the answer: he knew the Father heard his prayer. That’s how he could continue his walk to the cross: the Father heard his prayer.

Doing God’s work brings many disheartening moments. If not so, God would not call servants. God calls servants to inscribe their assignments in their souls so that they would not completely lose their heart and give up. The words inscribed in their souls overcome disappointments and give courage.

Has any servant experienced a greater despair than Jesus? If not, all servants must look up to the Lord and learn from him: my Father heard my prayer. And take up his own cross and walk. Amen.

Lord,

Let my soul not forget that all your disciples deserted you and fled. Let my soul not forget that even Peter, who loved you more than the others, denied you. Let my soul not forget that you still walked up to the cross, trusting your Father alone. Help me remind my soul with the confession: my Father heard my prayer. Amen.

I often forget this...the Lord does hear my prayers...I just need to "walk" on.

 

[IKTCA]

Sinter Angelwind:

Thank you for your friendship. As I was able to remind you of it through my devotional, remind me of the same when I become forgetful.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++


{After the angel spoke to the women} they went out and fled from the tomb, for terror and amazement had seized them; and they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid. (Mark 16:8)

What is this fear? When God spoke, the Israelites became fearful. Even Moses trembled with fear. Prophets confessed the same fear. Daniel said he was terrified. When John was lifted and saw Jesus, he became like dead. It seems to me this fear is a part of man’s encounter with certain measure of holiness.

Of this fear, Psalm says that it is pure and enduring, and that those who fear the Lord is blessed.

What is this fear? Where does it come from? Can it be related to awe? Since awe would not make a man tremble, this fear must be more than awe. Will my brothers and sisters kindly share/teach me about this fear?

Lord,

I confess that I still do not know you. Of your infinite patience with and infinite tenderness to sinners, I know somewhat. But the fearful God in you I do not know yet. As John fell before you like dead, teach me the fear of you. Amen.

 

[IKTCA]

When the disciples heard that Jesus was alive and had been seen by Mary, They would not believe it. (Mark 16:11)

The two disciples went back and told the rest (that they saw Jesus), but they did not believe them. (Mark 16:13)


If the disciples could not believe him, how can a man like me believe that Jesus was buried and rose in 3 days? Even though I wanted to believe, how could I?

Later he appeared to the eleven. (Mark 16:14)

The Lord knew they wouldn’t believe and revealed himself to them. In the same manner, he knows my dilemma. Not only mine but the dilemma of all seekers. And he reveals himself to me and my brothers.


Lord,

You keep the words recorded in the bible. As you revealed yourself to the eleven, you revealed yourself to me. What honor did I receive by being visited by you?

But Lord, I know you so little. And I admit it is because of my lack of obedience to you. Lord, help my disobedience. Teach me a new way in which I rejoice in obeying your commands. Help my rebellion. Give me a tender heart that knows no rebellion.

Lord, reveal yourself to me in greater measure so that I, too, can be a servant to your sons and daughters. Amen.

 

[IKTCA]

The Lord Jesus was taken up into heaven and sat at the right hand of God. (Mark 16:19)



When Jesus was on the earth, people had to ask where Jesus was. Sometimes, because Jesus was teaching the disciples, people wouldn’t know where he was. They didn’t know if Jesus would come to the festival or not.

Now I know where he is. He is at the right hand of God. I don’t have to ask others, “Where is Jesus? I need to find him.” I just have to find the way to his throne.

Lord,

I was born of your bosom as your child. As you called your disciples, “Children,” I ask you to call me, “My child.”

Since I came from you, I also must return to you. But Lord I do not know the way well. Other than the way is that of humility, I do not know the way. Therefore, Lord, speak to me, “Come.” I shall come. “Come here,” and I shall come to your throne.

Until the day I kneel before you, your words will be my master. Help me obey them in delight. Amen.